At Round The Clock Nursery, we kick off our morning meeting (Circle Time), in which we discuss center time (choice) whereby the children participate in self-initiated activities. A typical example is a kitchen area with a toy stove and cooking utensils, a dramatic play area with costumes and hats, and a library for quiet individual activity. Other examples are an art center and a math/science center with a manipulative table and measuring cups.

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Large Group Activity

This activity is usually teacher-directed. Activities may include reading a book on the week’s theme, followed by children participating in a related project. For example, if the theme is the water and the sea, children may paint on paper shaped like boats and play with toy boats and plastic sea creatures at the water-filled manipulative table.

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Outdoor Activities

Children are usually scheduled to play outdoors a few times every day. Teachers help children dress appropriately and provide toys suited for their developmental level--plastic riding toys for toddlers, tricycles, and bicycles for older children are standard.

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Mid-day

Before lunch, after playing outdoors, caregivers help children put away jackets or hats, complete toileting activities, and wash their hands to prepare for lunch.

Naps All age groups need a nap by midday. Children may rest on cribs, cots, or mats, depending on their age. Children ideally will sleep. Any children who are unable to sleep may participate in a quiet activity, such as coloring or reading.

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Afternoon

Afternoon Children usually have an afternoon snack right after they wake up. Afterward, they play in activity centers. Caregivers circulate among the different groups to talk to children at play. For example, caregivers might initiate creative movement activities and set up tactile experiences on the manipulative table.

Outdoor Playtime: Children need to go outdoors in the late afternoon because they have been inside most of the day. Parents may begin picking up children.

Closing: Children enjoy helping adults clean up, and doing so builds independence.